2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 30 of 89 complaints (34%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 57 in 2015 to 89 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,000–4,550 | 3,100–4,300 | 3,350–4,300 | 3,100–3,900 | 3,100–4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 17–26 | 18–25 | 18–23 | 20–25 | 18–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–24 / 21–30 | 15–24 / 21–29 | 15–20 / 21–29 | 17–22 / 25–30 | 15–22 / 22–30 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 336–507 | 350–498 | 377–498 | 351–443 | 351–497 | |
| Complaints filed | 302 | 57 | 89 | 166 | 67 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 10 | 9 | 20 | 18 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 15 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 5 | 4 | 12 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 12 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Airbags & Restraints: 30 of 89 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
EPA rates it 18–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (16)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 377 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 28 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 377 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 378 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 395 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 430 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 443 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium or E85 | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 377 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium or E85 | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 384 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 28 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 379 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 384 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 498 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 20 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 396 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 16 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 497 g/mi |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 475 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 435 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 30 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (9)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 21V638000 · Aug 16, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
Consequence: An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V010000 · Jan 31, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 17V627000 · Oct 11, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 17V246000 · Apr 12, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 E300 and 2017 E300 4MATIC vehicles. The affected vehicles have a roof mounted spoiler that may not be properly attached and thus may detach while driving.
Consequence: If the roof-mounted spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing a risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the roof spoilers, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 17V241000 · Apr 11, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
Consequence: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 17V177000 · Mar 17, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 16V899000 · Dec 14, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
Consequence: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 15V505000 · Aug 11, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz E350, E400, E400 4Matic, E63 4M S AMG, E350 4Matic, E63-4M S AMG, 2015 CLS400, CLS400 4Matic, CLS550, CLS63-4M "P" AMG, and CLS550 4Matic vehicles manufactured April 16, 2015, to April 22, 2015. The integral steel cable that secures the rubber seal to the bulkhead might have been damaged due to the supplier rework of the rubber seal. In the event the rubber seal is not properly secured around the engine compartment, it is possible for the rubber seal to temporarily stick to the hood when it is opened and then may fall into the engine bay when the hood is closed.
Consequence: If the rubber seal falls into the engine compartment, it may contact parts of the engine or exhaust system, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber seal, in the engine compartment, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. MBUSA's number is 2015080001. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339.